Lynas gets Malaysia's approval to kick-start rare earths facility

KUALA LUMPUR -- Australian miner Lynas on Wednesday said it had secured a temporary operating license for its delayed US$800 million rare earths facility in Malaysia and will begin production in October.

Receipt of the temporary license will enable Lynas to commence the transport of rare earths concentrate and prepare for the first feed to kiln, which is expected in October, the firm said in a statement.

The plant in eastern Pahang state has been dogged by protests from environmentalists and residents over concerns of radiation for the past two years and they have threatened to organize a blockade of the refinery.